Comparación potencial de las actividades antiinflamatorias de las formulaciones de enjuague bucal de quercetina y diclofenaco / Potential Comparison of Anti-inflammatory Activities of Quercetin and Diclofenac Mouthwash Formulations

Introduction: Periodontitis is a pandemic, with about 14 percent of people worldwide already suffering from severe periodontitis. Early intervention in the disease could probably reduce its progression and eliminate the need for the extraction of affected teeth. Quercetin is a probable candidate as it has exemplary anti-inflammatory properties. The presence of phenolic hydroxyl groups in them greatly contributes to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Objectives: The study introduces the formulation of Quercetin mouthwash and assesses its anti-inflammatory properties in comparison to Diclofenac sodium. Methods: Quercetin mouthwash was prepared using a commercially procured bioactive agent. One standard nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Diclofenac was used as a reference drug. The percentage inhibition of protein denaturation was calculated and its anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated through Bovine Serum Albumin Assay and Egg Albumin Assay. Results: Quercetin mouthwash showed parallel anti-inflammatory properties and showed a proportionate increase in anti-inflammatory properties with the increase in the concentration of the mouthwash. Comparable inhibition of protein denaturation at 10µl and 50µl concentrations with a proportionate variation of 1 percent (p>0.05) to the control in Egg Albumin Assay and 47 percent and 83 percent denaturation at 10µl and 50µl of Bovine Serum Albumin Assay were observed. Conclusion: Quercetin mouthwash has shown significant anti-inflammatory activity and hence is considered a potent anti-inflammatory agent comparable to Diclofenac sodium. It is found to be a suitable agent as an oral formulation for reducing the progression of inflammatory conditions(AU)

Introducción: La periodontitis es una pandemia, ya que alrededor del 14 por ciento de las personas en todo el mundo padecen periodontitis grave. Una intervención precoz en la enfermedad podría, probablemente, reducir su progresión y eliminar la necesidad de extraer los dientes afectados. La quercetina es un candidato probable, ya que tiene propiedades antiinflamatorias ejemplares. Su presencia de grupos hidroxilos fenólicos contribuye en gran medida a sus actividades antioxidantes y antiinflamatorias. Objetivos: El estudio presenta la formulación del colutorio de quercetina y evalúa sus propiedades antiinflamatorias en comparación con el diclofenaco sódico. Métodos: Se preparó un colutorio de quercetina, utilizando un agente bioactivo obtenido comercialmente. Se utilizó como fármaco de referencia un antiinflamatorio no esteroideo estándar, el diclofenaco. Se calculó el porcentaje de inhibición de la desnaturalización de proteínas y se evaluaron sus propiedades antiinflamatorias mediante ensayo con albúmina de suero bovino y con albúmina de huevo. Resultados: El colutorio de quercetina mostró propiedades antiinflamatorias paralelas y mostró un aumento proporcional de las propiedades antiinflamatorias con el aumento de la concentración del colutorio. Se observó una inhibición comparable de la desnaturalización de proteínas a concentraciones de 10µl y 50µl con una variación proporcional del 1 por ciento (p > 0,05), respecto al control en el ensayo de albúmina de huevo y una desnaturalización del 47 por ciento y 83 por ciento a 10µl y 50µl del ensayo de albúmina de suero bovino. Conclusiones: El enjuague bucal de quercetina ha mostrado una actividad antiinflamatoria significativa, por lo que se considera un potente agente antiinflamatorio comparable al diclofenaco sódico. Se considera un agente adecuado como formulación oral para reducir la progresión de las afecciones inflamatorias(AU)

Omega-3 fatty acids supplements for dry eye - Are they effective or ineffective?

Purpose: To evaluate effectiveness of omega?3 fatty acid supplements in relieving dry eye symptoms and signs in symptomatic visual display terminal users (VDT). Methods: A randomized controlled study was done; eyes of 470 VDT users were randomized to receive four capsules twice daily for 6 months (O3FAgroup), each containing 180 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 120 mg docosahexaenoic acid. The O3FA group was compared with another group (n = 480) who received four capsules of a placebo (olive oil) twice daily. Patients were evaluated at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. The primary outcome was improvement in omega?3 index (a measure of EPA and DHA ratio in RBC membrane). Secondary outcomes were improvement dry eye symptoms, Nelson grade on conjunctival impression cytology, Schirmer test values, tear film breakup time (TBUT), and tear film osmolarity. Means of groups (pre?treatment, 1, 3, and 6?months) were compared with repeated measure analysis of variance. Results: At baseline, 81% patients had low omega?3 index. In the O3FA group, a significant increase in omega?3 index, improvement in symptoms, reduction in tear film osmolarity, and increase in Schirmer, TBUT, and goblet cell density was observed. These changes were not significant in the placebo group. Improvement in test parameters was significantly (P < 0.001) better in patients with low omega3 index (<4%) subgroup. Conclusion: Dietary omega?3 fatty acids are effective for dry eye in VDT users; omega?3 index appears to be the predictor to identify potential dry eye patients who are likely to benefit from oral omega?3 dietary intervention

Kerala Traditional Ayurvedic Practices in Children for Enhancing Immunity - A Systematic Review

Kerala is rich in its culture for the traditional Ayurveda practices in children from the time of birth onwards. These traditional practices are mainly immune boosters and also enhance overall nourishment and development in children. Commonly used traditional Ayurveda practices are Uramarunnu Prayoga, Prakara Yoga, Abhyanga, Rasanadi churna lepana, Snana etc. for enhancing immunity and providing overall development to children. Uramarunnu is a baby care practice comprising of a group of drugs administered to the child in the form of paste in breast milk, after 28 days till 2 years of age. Prakara Yogas are immunomodulatory recipes and procedures to be adopted right from the day after delivery. Abhyanga provides nourishment, health, protection, emotional well-being and improves skin tone. All these can be used for enhancing immunity and preventing recurrent infections thereby helps in the maintenance of health and prevention of diseases. This mentions the importance of Kerala traditional Ayurvedic practices in the field of primary child health care. So, the present study aims to compile Kerala’s traditional Ayurvedic practices in children, by reviewing regional textbooks like Arogyakalpadruma, Vaidya Tarakam, Parambarya Balachikitsa etc., and also interviewing Ayurveda pediatrician through telephone.

Impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on the mental health and quality of life among older adults in India

Introduction: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic rapidly spread across continents causing widespread mortality. Older adults, especially those with underlying diseases, are more susceptible for COVID-19 infection. Due to this concern, reverse quarantine was adopted as a protective strategy. This can lead to several psychological and physical detrimental effects. Aims: 1). To assess the mental health status (depression and anxiety) among elderly people in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.2) To assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and mental health issues on quality of life. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study among older adults (>60 yrs) residing in urban community in Central Kerala, India. Results: Of the 200 patients, more than half had moderate to high levels of anxiety and a poor social support. Depression was seen in only 1/4th of patients and that was significant in older women. Mean knowledge about COVID was below 80%. Social support was inversely associated with anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression significantly affected QOL scores. Conclusion: This study emphasizes on the need for better mental health programmes tailored for our geriatric population. Joint multidisciplinary action plans with focus on enhancing social support can improve the quality of life of this vulnerable group

Screening practices for breast and cervical cancer and associated factors, among rural women in Vellore, Tamil Nadu

Background: Population-based screening coverage for breast and cervical cancer screening in the community is inadequately reported in India. This study assessed screening rates, awareness, and other factors affecting screening, among rural women aged 25� years in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. Methods: Women aged 25� years, from five randomly selected villages of a rural block were included in this cross-sectional study in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. Households were selected by systematic random sampling, followed by simple random sampling of eligible women in the house. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess screening practices, awareness, and other factors related to cervical and breast cancer. Results: Although 43.8% and 57.9% were aware of the availability of screening for cervical and breast cancer respectively, screening rates were only 23.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.4-28.4%) and 16.2% (95% CI: 11.9-20.5%), respectively. Adequate knowledge (score of ?50%) on breast cancer was only 5.9%, with 27.2% for cervical cancer. Only 16.6% of women had ever attended any health education program on cancer. Exposure to health education (breast screening odds ratio [OR]: 6.89, 95% CI: 3.34-14.21; cervical screening OR: 6.92, 95% CI: 3.42-14.00); and adequate knowledge (breast OR: 4.69, 95% CI: 1.55-14.22; cervix OR: 3.01, 95% CI: 1.59-5.68) were independently associated with cancer screening. Conclusion: Awareness and screening rates for breast and cervical cancer are low among rural women in Tamil Nadu, a south Indian state with comparatively good health indices, with health education being an important factor associated with screening practices.

Evaluation of retinal function and morphology in isoametropic amblyopia

Purpose: To observe the photoreceptor anomalies in cases of ametropic amblyopia. Methods: A prospective study with 25 isoametropic amblyopic children in the age group of 5–14 years and 25 age?matched controls was done. Examination included refraction, best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and color vision. Adaptive optics (AO) and multifocal electroretinogram (mf?ERG) were done to assess the anatomy and function of photoreceptors. The subgroup analysis of the improved and non?improved groups was done. Results: The mean cone density in cases and control in the superior, temporal, and nasal quadrants was respectively as follows (21640 ± 5713, 24040 ± 3386, P = 0.01) (19755 ± 6282, 21832 ± 2911, P = 0.03) (19897 ± 5418, 22171 ± 3660, P = 0.01) (20768 ± 4799, 22819 ± 3241, P = 0.01). The amplitude of N1 wave and P1 wave in cases was significantly low compared to the controls. Cases with subnormal color vision had reduced BCVA (0.55 ± 0.018) in comparison to the children with normal response (0.350 ± 0.014). Cone density was also significantly reduced in children with subnormal color vision. Sixteen out of 25 cases showed BCVA improvement with spectacles. Baseline cone density was found to be significantly higher in the improved group. There was no correlation between BCVA and AO parameters. Conclusion: Patients with ametropic amblyopia show subnormal photoreceptor properties than controls. Low cone density may be associated with defective color vision and poor prognosis in these cases

Comparison of Pre- and Posttreatment Airway Volume in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Treated with Ultra-Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract Introduction Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) present with a multitude of symptoms that can range from headaches to shoulder pain. Patients frequently present with pain in the ear, dizziness, and vertigo. It is noted that some patients who report TMDs also have a history of sleep disturbances, which is noted in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as a reduction in the oropharyngeal airway volume. Objective To evaluate the airway volume in pre- and posttreatment of TMD with the use of neuromuscular orthotics made with ultra-low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ULF-TENS). Methods A total of 15 patients were evaluated for TMDs using the related criteria. Those included were treated with ULF-TENS with evaluation of the airway volume both pre- and posttreatment using CBCT and the Dolphin 3D volume analysis software. Results While the symptoms were shown to be significantly reduced in patients who were treated with this particular modality, the airway volume varied in those who reported a reduction after a period of 3 months and those that reported after a period of 6 months. Conclusion Posttreatment evaluation of the airway should be done after a period of 6 months for a more objective evaluation. A multidisciplinary evaluation of the patient is required in such cases.

Health risks of overweight and obesity among children / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

@#Childhood obesity is, according to the WHO, one of the most serious challenges of the 21st century. More than 100 million children have obesity today. Globally, the prevalence of obesity and overweight tripled in the child and youth populations from the mid-1970s (about 4%) to 2016 (greater than 18%). In 2016, more than 330 million children and adolescents were affected by overweight or obesity globally. It is estimated that by 2030 nearly 30% of all children will be affected by overweight or obesity. For this reason, childhood obesity is a major public health problem worldwide. </br>This study summarizes and reviewed research findings related to childhood obesity and health risks. Overweight and obesity are defined as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that can harm health. Obesity has a multifactorial origin that involves both genetic and environmental factors. Several studies showed that excess body fat increased the risk of multiple comorbidities, such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and cancer. According to the results of the research, the mother's nutritional status and obesogenic environments have a great influence on childhood obesity. A summary of the results of many studies concluded that childhood obesity is more likely to develop non-communicable diseases in adulthood. The global prevalence of overweight in children aged 5 years or under has increased modestly, but with heterogeneous trends in low and middle-income regions, while the prevalence of obesity in children aged 2–4 years has increased moderately. Overweight or obesity during childhood has important short-term and long-term consequences.@*Conclusion@#In recent decades, the prevalence of obesity in children has increased dramatically. For the successful implementation of activities to prevent overweight and obesity in children, it is necessary to create a supportive environment and to promote health.

Spectrum of COVID-19 Disease in Children: A Retrospective Analysis Comparing Wave 1 and Wave 2 from a Tertiary Hospital in South India

Objective To describe COVID-19 in children and the diferences between the two waves. Methods The electronic medical records of children younger than 16 y of age with laboratory-confrmed COVID-19 infection between June 1st 2020 and May 31st 2021 at Christian Medical College, Vellore were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected on a predesigned case record form and analyzed. Results A total of 988 children were diagnosed with confrmed COVID-19 during the study period. Of these, there were 585 children diagnosed during the 1st wave (June 2020–Feb 2021) and 403 children during the 2nd wave (March 2021–May 2021). It was found that loose stools and rash were signifcantly more frequent during the 1st wave and fever, cough, coryza, heart rate and temperature were signifcantly more during the 2nd wave. There was no signifcant diference between the two groups in terms of requirement of oxygen therapy, need for ICU admission, duration of ICU stay or hospital stay, or severity of illness. Mortality was signifcantly higher during the 2nd wave (0.3% vs. 2%). Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic among children during the 1st and 2nd waves were similar in severity, though there was a higher mortality during the 2nd wave.

Clinical Profile and Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality in Septic Shock Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

strong>Background: Sepsis and Septic shock contributes to significant morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Early detection and initiation of early and appropriate antibiotic therapy determines the outcome in septic shock. The objective of this research was to describe clinical profile of septic shock patients and to determine various predictors of in-hospital mortality in septic shock patients which could be assessed from simple hematological parameters. Methods: This was a prospective observational study done over a period of one year in which a total of 145 adult patients with septic shock diagnosed as per American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and the Society for Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) criteria (2016) admitted in medicine ward in a tertiary care hospital were included. Detailed history and clinical examination was done and various routine investigations such as Complete hemogram, Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(NLR), Platelet to lymphocyte ratio(PLR), Liver function tests, Renal function tests, C-reactive protein and Blood gases including lactate levels at admission were determined and compared among survivors and non-survivors to assess in hospital mortality predictors. Results: A total of 145 patients with septic shock were studied. Most of the patients were males (55.2%). Majority were from rural areas (59.31%). Major co-morbidities included diabetes mellitus (24.8%), COPD (13.1%) and hypertension (11%). Fever was the most common presentation (34.5%). Mortality in septic shock was 30.3%. The most common source of infection leading to septic shock was scrub typhus (33.8%) followed by respiratory infections and skin infections. The highest mortality was seen in the age group of 60-69 years. Patients who were given primary care and stabilized in a primary or secondary health centre and then referred had a better survival (77.2%) as compared to those who directly visited the tertiary care centre in a sick state. Out of various mortality predictors studied, a strong positive correlation of mortality was seen among patients with thrombocytopenia i.e. platelet count (86.4%), hypoalbuminemia (78.6%), high neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, high C-reactive protein values(74%) and high mean platelet volume. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of tropical infections such as Scrub typhus in Himachal and even simple investigations like Complete haemogram, Serum albumin levels, C-reactive protein and Total serum bilirubin levels which are routinely done in health care centers correlate significantly with mortality in septic shock. These investigations can guide appropriate antibiotic therapy and appropriate timing of referral of patients to higher centers, hence can improve the outcome among septic shock patients.

Simulation Based vs Conventional Training for Initial Steps in Delivery Room Care of Preterm Neonates: An Open Label Randomized Trial

Objective: To assess whether simulation based education (SBE) improves the practices and knowledge of junior residents for stabilization of a preterm neonate in delivery room as compared to conventional education (CE). Methods: This trial randomized 24 pediatric residents to either SBE (n=12) or CE (n=12) groups. One-time SBE was imparted to the SBE group. Both the groups had similar facilitator participant ratio and equally timed sessions. The individual skills scores and performance by preterm stabilization performance evaluation (PSPE) score in real time were recorded using a validated tool within 8 weeks of the training. Knowledge gain was evaluated using pre and post-test scores. Results: The mean (SD) skill and PSPE scores were comparable between the two groups (skill score 51.1 (8.1), 46.5 (7.8), respectively mean difference 4.6; 95% CI -2.1 to 11.3; PSPE-score 80.2 (14.2) vs. 82.9 (10.3); mean difference -2.68; 95% CI -8.35 to 13.71). The mean (SD) knowledge gain was similar in the groups [4.4 (1.9), 5.3 (4.1); mean difference 0.91; 95% CI, -1.81 to 3.64. Conclusion: In junior residents, a one-time SBE session, when compared to conventional task training, did not lead to improvement in the performance of the initial steps of neonatal resuscitation.

Effect of atropine 0.01% on progression of myopia

Purpose: Myopia is the most common type of refractive error and the leading cause of functional visual loss. Increased risk of myopic maculopathy, retinal detachment, glaucoma and cataract has been seen with a myopia of as low as ?1D. This study was done to determine the effect of atropine 0.01% eye drops on the progression of myopia in children >5 years. Methods: This was a single?blind, prospective, randomized case–control study which included children of 5–15 years with myopia of >2D and were divided into treatment group (group 1) and placebo group (group 2). Children under treatment group were treated with application of 0.01% atropine at night. Children with history of any ocular surgery, chronic ophthalmic illness, squint and amblyopia were excluded from the study. The follow?up for myopia progression was done for two years. Results: This study showed a significant difference in increase of spherical equivalent and axial length among treatment and placebo groups after a duration of two years. Total duration of follow up was twenty?four months. Mean increase in axial length of group 1 and 2 was 0.115 mm and 0.32 mm, respectively. Mean increase in refraction of groups 1 and 2 was ?0.30 D and ?0.88 D, respectively, showing significant change in axial length and refraction (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: This study supports the use of atropine 0.01% eye drops in reducing the progression of myopia.

Effect of video- assisted teaching on knowledge regarding early detection and prevention of cervical cancer among women

Introduction: Cancer is the second most common disease in India responsible for maximum mortality with about 0.3 million deaths per year. This is owing to the poor availability of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Almost 9 out of 10 deaths occur from cervical cancer in less developed countries. Cancer of the cervix is largely preventable. The risk can be minimized by promotion of sexual risk reduction behavior and genital hygiene. Further prevention can be achieved by screening, using Visual Inspection with Acidic Acid (VIA) or Pap smear test, which can detect precancerous lesions early so as to prevent progress towards invasive cancer by timely treatment. Materials and Methods: A pre-experimental, One-group pre-test post-test design was undertaken for the study. 300 women were selected as the sample, Non- probability convenient sampling technique was utilized to select the sample from the population. After assessing knowledge video assisted teaching was implemented. After intervention on 7th day the post-test knowledge was assessed. Chi-square was used to measure the association of background variables of patients. ‘t’ test was used to assess the effectiveness of structured interventional programme of the patients. In the comparison between mean pretest and posttest knowledge score it is clear that during the pretest the knowledge score was poor (40%), fair ( 10%), good ( 40%) and excellent ( 10%), and after the administration of video assisted teaching, posttest was done and there was an improvement in the knowledge score of the female by poor (0%), fair (16.7%), good (23.3%) and excellent was( 60%), so there was a great difference in the knowledge score between the pre-test and posttest. Result: The mean pretest knowledge score was 13.67 ± 7.66, while the posttest knowledge score was 23.80 ± 5.53 and the computed t value was found to be 19.105, The difference was found to be statistically significant. There will be significant association between the pretest knowledge score and selected demographic variables at the level of P? 0.05. is accepted as there is significant association between pretest knowledge score and selected demographic variables like religion, marital status, Age of women at marriage, no. of times they have conceived, methods of contraception’s, educational status, occupation, kinds of addiction, recurrent infections, history of cancer in family, previous information regarding cancer, history of pap test. Conclusion: The study recommended the utilization of video assisted teaching programme by community health nurses, nurse researchers, nurse administrators, nurse educators and health care professionals to improve knowledge of early detection of cervical cancer.

Secular Trends in Birthweights in Two Epochs Over 40 Years in a Tertiary Care Center

Objective: To compare the average birthweights and the weight centiles of the ‘new’ growth charts with the ‘old’ (1974) charts developed in the same unit four decades ago. Methods: Birthweight and gestation data of the eligible 12,355 singleton neonates born between 2009 and 2016 at a level-3 neonatal unit at a public sector hospital were used to develop the new growth chart. We then compared the prevalence of small for gestational age (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA) classified by the new charts and the old charts, the incidence of short-term adverse outcomes among them, and the diagnostic performance of both the charts to identify the adverse outcomes in a separate validation cohort. Results: The mean birthweights of boys and girls across all gestations were higher by 150-200 g and 100-150 g, respectively, in the new chart. The prevalence of SGA doubled (9.8% vs 4.7%), but LGA decreased by one-third (17.5% vs 25.9%) with the new chart. However, the proportion of SGA and LGA having one or more short-term adverse outcomes, and the diagnostic performance of both the charts to identify neonates with shortterm adverse outcomes, were comparable. Conclusion: There was an upward shift in the birthweights by about 150 g across all gestations in the new chart compared to the old chart developed 40 years ago. The findings imply the need to consider using updated growth charts to ensure accurate classification of size at birth of neonates.

Profile of Children with Kawasaki Disease Associated with Tropical Infections

Objective To describe various infectious triggers for Kawasaki disease (KD) in India. Methods A series of 10 children with diagnosed infections who developed KD during their course of illness has been presented. They were diagnosed by the American Heart Association (AHA) 2017 guidelines. Echocardiography was done to check for coronary artery dilation. Treatment was instituted as per standard protocol. Results Kawasaki disease was diagnosed in 8 boys and 2 girls, aged 1 mo to 11 y. These children were being treated for dengue, chikungunya, SARS-CoV-2, hepatitis A, tuberculosis, brucellosis, disseminated staphylococcal sepsis, scrub typhus, and enteric fever. Conclusions Kawasaki disease has been associated with infectious triggers. It should be considered in febrile patients with mucocutaneous involvement or in nonresponsive sepsis, despite adequate therapy.

A Cross Sectional Study On The Prevalence Of Vitamin A Deficiency

Background: Vitamin A is an essential nutrient needed for normal vision, immune functions, maintenance of epithelial cell integrity, growth and development, reproductive function. It is the most important cause of preventable childhood blindness in developing countries. To estimate the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in children ?15 yearsAim: reporting to a tertiary care centre A cross sectional study was conducted on 100 children agedMaterials & Methods: upto 15years reporting to eye OPD from April 2022- June 2022. Detailed history from mother was collected. A comprehensive ophthalmic examination including visual acuity measurement, anterior segment, fundus evaluation was done. Vitamin A deficiency was clinically assessed by using WHO classification of Xerophthalmia. TheResults: prevalence of clinical vitamin A deficiency in this study was 9%. Maximum presentation was seen in age group of >2-5 years. Prevention, early recognition by regular screening and nutritional education would decrease theConclusion: risk of developing clinical vitamin A deficiency

Erroneous reduction of HbA1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on dapsone treatment for Hansen’s disease - a single-center retrospective cohort study

Background: Dapsone treatment may reduce HbA1c levels in patients with diabetes. Aims: To assess the prevalence and characteristics of dapsone associated reduction of HbA1c in patients with Hansen’s disease. Methods: A retrospective data review of outpatient and inpatient charts of consecutive patients with Hansen’s disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus was conducted over two years from January 2014 to January 2016 at the Department of Dermatology, CMC Vellore, India. Results: Of the 245 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Hansen’s disease who were on oral dapsone 100 mg/day as part of their treatment regimen, 49 patients had diabetes and were eligible for the study as per predetermined inclusion criteria. Of these, 35 subjects (71%) had an HbA1c discordantly lower than the corresponding mean plasma glucose levels. Patients with discordant HbA1c levels were more likely to be male and to have a higher RBC mean corpuscular volume (MCV). A greater reduction in HbA1c levels was seen during the initial 3 months of therapy of dapsone treatment. Limitations: The small sample size and retrospective design were limitations of this study. Also, we did not analyze the role of methemoglobinemia or the utility of alternative measures of glycemic control in these patients. Conclusion: We describe a high prevalence of dapsone associated inappropriate HbA1c lowering in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. This may have serious implications for the management of diabetes in patients on therapy with dapsone.

Blood diffusion to novel therapies: A quantitative analysis of scholarly output in Haemophilia from India

Lack of specific protein factors, such as factor VIII and factor IX, results in haemophilia, a genetic bleeding condition. Due to its genetics, haemophilia affects an individual, but we can see how it has an impact on a whole generation. The goal of this study is to determine the extent to which our Indian researchers have been able to advance this highly sought-after field. Although this study was intended to last 75 years, it had to be restricted to the years 1991 to 2021 due to a shortage of publications at the time of data mining. There was a total of 81 publications found, and after analysing them, it was found that India and the USA collaborated more frequently than France and the UK. The National Institute of Immunohaematology (NIIH), located in Mumbai, is India's most productive institution in terms of the number of publications or ongoing work. Haemophilia, factor viii, and gene therapy were the most commonly used keywords. Indian researchers still need to put in a lot of effort in this area because, according to studies from around the world, haemophilia is spreading like a fire. Continuous research and knowledge of the needs of the population are required if we are to improve not only our position in the world but also the way we are treated, which would make life better.

Analysis of COVID-19-associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis patients in a tertiary care center in Northern India

Purpose: An unprecedented surge has been noted in rhino?orbital?Cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) in times of current COVID?19 pandemic. The present prospective study aims to evaluate clinico?epidemiological profile, risk factors, management, and outcome of the cases of ROCM that presented to our tertiary care center during the study period from April to June 2021. Methods: All patients were subjected to complete history taking, ophthalmological examination, and imaging studies. The patients were staged and were treated with intravenous liposomal amphotericin B (AMB) and sino?nasal debridement of local necrotic tissue. Transcutaneous retrobulbar AMB (TRAMB), orbital decompression, and exenteration were instituted as indicated. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months before arriving at the final outcome. Statistical analysis was performed. Results: A total of 49 patients presented during the study period, with a mean age of 42.2 years. The major risk factors included uncontrolled diabetes (89.8%), COVID?19 positivity (51.02%), and concurrent steroid use (38.77%). The most common presenting symptom was facial pain/swelling (43.65%), while the most common presenting sign was deterioration in vision (75.51%). Intravenous liposomal AMB was given to all patients along with sino?nasal debridement (85.71%), TRAMB (57.14%), orbital decompression (14.28%), and exenteration (12.24%). Overall, mortality at 6 months was 22.45% (11 patients). Age more than 60 years, intracranial extension, and HbA1c of more than 8.0% were observed to be statistically significant indicators of mortality. Conclusion: Early suspicion and timely diagnosis of mucormycosis at rhino?orbital stage is warranted in order to salvage life as well as visual function. TRAMB may prove as potentially favorable treatment modality in cases with limited orbital involvement.

Automated and ImageJ thresholding algorithm-based analysis of macular vessel density in diabetic patients

Purpose: To assess the macular vessel density (VD) on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT?A) using proprietary software (automated) and image processing software (manual) in diabetic patients. Methods: In a retrospective study, OCT?A images (Triton, TOPCON Inc.) of type 2 diabetics presenting to a tertiary eye care center in North India between January 2018 and December 2019 with or without nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and with no macular edema were analyzed. Macular images of size 3 × 3 mm were binarized with global thresholding algorithms (ImageJ software). Outcome measures were superficial capillary plexus VD (SCP?VD, automated and manual), deep capillary plexus VD (DCP?VD, manual), and correlation between automated and manual SCP?VD. Results: OCT?A images of 89 eyes (55 patients) were analyzed: no diabetic retinopathy (NoDR): 29 eyes, mild NPDR: 29 eyes, and moderate NPDR: 31 eyes. Automated SCP?VD did not differ between NoDR and mild NPDR (P = 0.69), but differed between NoDR and moderate NPDR (P = 0.014) and between mild and moderate NPDR (P = 0.033). Manual SCP?VD (Huang and Otsu methods) did not differ between the groups. Manual DCP?VD differed between NoDR and mild NPDR and between NoDR and moderate NPDR, but not between mild and moderate NPDR with both Huang (P = 0.024, 0.003, and 0.51, respectively) and Otsu (P = 0.021, 0.006, and 0.43, respectively) methods. Automated SCP?VD correlated moderately with manual SCP?VD using Huang method (r = 0.51, P < 0.001) with a mean difference of ?0.01% (agreement limits from ?6.60% to +6.57%). Conclusion: DCP?VD differs consistently between NoDR and NPDR with image processing, while SCP?VD shows variable results. Different thresholding algorithms provide different results, and there is a need to establish consensus on the most suited algorithm